General | 2/1/2021 9:00:00 AM

ROCHESTER, N.Y. - RIT is celebrating the 35^th anniversary of National Girls & Women in Sports Day (NGWSD) this week by highlighting five former student-athletes that used sports to springboard themselves to success following graduation.
 
Each day, a Q&A from each individual was added, highlighting their insights and successes in their own words.

Monday, Feb. 1 - Marie Foster '96 
Women's Ice Hockey/Women's Soccer
CEO/Founder - SigMar Solutions

Tuesday, Feb. 2 - Ushi Patel '00 G'01
Women's Volleyball
Founder/Creative Director - Bombay House

Wednesday, Feb. 3 - Pinckney Templeton '06
Women's Lacrosse
Creative Designer

Thursday, Feb. 3 - Margot Sandy '08 G'12
Women's Basketball
Product Development Program Manager

Friday, Feb. 4 - Jessica Connolly '00
Softball
Co-Founder - Mavens of Marketing
 
ABOUT NGWSD (WOMEN'S SPORTS FOUNDATION - NGWSD WEBSITE)
NGWSD honors the achievements of female athletes, coaches and leaders and continues to Lead Her Forward by acknowledging the power of sports to unlock her limitless potential. This celebration inspires girls and women to play and be active, to realize their full power. The confidence, strength and character gained through sports participation are the very tools girls and women need to become strong leaders in sports and life. 

HISTORY OF NGWSD
NGWSD began in 1987 as a special day in our nation's capital to recognize women's sports. The day united premiere organizations and elite female athletes to bring national attention to the promise of girls and women in sports. NGWSD also served as a remembrance of Olympic volleyball player, Flo Hyman, for her athletic achievements and dedication to promoting equality for women's sports; Hyman died of Marfan's Syndrome in 1986. NGWSD has since evolved into an event to acknowledge the accomplishments of female athletes, the positive influence of sports participation and the continuing struggle for equality for women in sports.